Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer deserves a place in the England starting line-up more than Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Palmer, who celebrated his 22nd birthday the day before, is one of the discoveries of this season, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists in the Premier League.
According to Owen, Palmer is obliged to get a place in the starting line-up of the England national team for Euro 2024 and is the greatest threat to the Sac.
“I would prefer to see Cole Palmer at the start rather than Bukayo Saka. I think we can no longer ignore Palmer’s form and skill.”
“I wooed him into the England squad a few months ago, but now he is one of the best players in the Premier League. He can even become the Player of the Year or get the Golden Boot by playing for a troubled team.”
“Therefore, it seems to me that he must be at the start. I would use it on the right. He is on the right, Foden and Bellingham are in the center, Rice is in the support area. But at times I would swap them, giving them freedom of action. Harry Kane would naturally play on the edge.”
“I don’t think Gareth Southgate will do that. I’m sure he’ll play with two defenders, but I don’t think it’s right.”
“If he plays with two defenders, then they will probably be Cobby Mainu and Declan Rice. Then he will have to choose between Palmer or Foden—or use both, leaving Saka in reserve.”
“However, it is unthinkable for Foden and Palmer to stay out of the starting line. These are two of our top three or four players.”
“Putting them all in the lineup is a challenge, but the option I have proposed just accommodates them all. Saka may be left out, but he can still play an important role. If the final had been held tomorrow, I would have released Palmer at the start,” Owen was quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.